For Seniors

For Seniors

Photo of CoupleOlder Americans are three times more likely to suffer from multiple chronic conditions than the rest of the population. Conditions that often require taking more than one medication at a time. Managing and affording these drugs can become a full-time chore.

AARP and other organizations concerned about the health of our seniors believe generic medicines provide older Americans – and all Americans – with a safe, effective and affordable way to manage their health care while also reducing their health care costs.

This web page offers helpful tools for seniors taking prescription drugs – tips and advice that will help you learn about generics as well as reliable sources for obtaining prescription medicines at reasonable prices.

With generics costing up to 80 percent less than brand name drugs, generics are the right choice for seniors grappling with health care costs.

Are you concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs?

ImageWe will help you get the most benefit from your medications, avoid problems, and save money, too.

More and more Americans are turning to generic medications to obtain the same beneficial results they would receive from much costlier name-brands. In fact, almost two billion prescriptions a year are filled with generic products. Generic medications are approved for both quality and safety by the Food and Drug Administration, which assures that they have the same active ingredients and strength as name-brands. But they cost 30 to 80 percent less.

Many doctors prescribe generics, knowing they are effective. And many insurance companies pay more of the cost of generics, to encourage these worthwhile savings. Today, thousands of generic drugs are available, and all are manufactured and inspected under the same strict quality guidelines as brand-name drugs. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist whether there is a generic version of your prescription. If so, you can reduce your health care costs and still get the same quality of care.

When You Need Help Paying for Prescriptions:

ImageHelp in paying for drugs can be available from government programs, pharmaceutical manufacturers, private organizations, and others. Fortunately, the websites listed at right, have compiled this information for consumers so that you do not have to search these possible resources yourself. You may have to indicate family income and whether you participate in either public or private health insurance plans.

When You Need Help Managing Your Medicines:

Additional Resources: